What does the Bible say about men wearing earrings?
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The Bible does not forbid men from wearing earrings, but it calls all believers to modesty, holiness, and freedom from idolatry rather than binding conscience where God has not spoken. Earrings were worn by men and women in the biblical world: Genesis 35:4 and Exodus 32:2 connect them with idolatry in a particular context, while Numbers 31:50 and Judges 8:24 mention them as valuable ornaments. Deuteronomy 22:5 addresses deliberately obscuring the distinction between men and women, not every cultural form of jewelry. Ezekiel 16:12 uses earrings in imagery of God’s lavish provision. Christians should therefore consider their motives, local associations, sexual propriety, and witness, pursuing the modest adornment commended in 1 Timothy 2:9.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ezekiel 16:12
I put a ring on your nose, and ear-rings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
- Deuteronomy 22:5
A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.
- Leviticus 19:28
"'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.
- Genesis 35:4
They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
- Numbers 31:50
We have brought Yahweh's offering, what every man has gotten, of jewels of gold, ankle-chains, and bracelets, signet-rings, ear-rings, and armlets, to make atonement for our souls before Yahweh.
- Judges 8:24
Gideon said to them, I would make a request of you, that you would give me every man the ear-rings of his spoil. (For they had golden ear-rings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
- Exodus 35:22
They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, ear-rings, signet-rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to Yahweh.
- Exodus 32:2
Aaron said to them, "Take off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me."
- 1 Timothy 2:9
In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing;
- Genesis 24:22
It happened, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden ring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold,
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